Article PDFs

The training collection offered on this website is the most extensive presentation in words and diagrams of this knowledge previously passed on in large part only by “word of mouth”.

From My Perspective is a compilation of hand-selected previously and newly published articles, many with associated exercises, developed by Karl over many decades. This portion of the web site allows access and download of these materials on a one-by-one basis, permitting the trainer or rider to custom tailor their program individually. Downloads are in PDF format and are illustrated in full color and may include many new, previously unpublished photos and articles.

If you would like to learn more about a specific riding issue or technique, use the search at the top of the right column to find the articles and exercises that are related to your subject of interest, then click the title to read a product description or view the “Add to Cart” button to make a purchase.

About Our Electronic Downloads

The articles and diagrams for sale on this site are only available in Adobe PDF format which can be viewed in Adobe Reader. Adobe Reader comes pre-installed on many computers, but if you do not have it, you can download it free of charge by clicking the link below and following the instructions.

Ordering Information

We accept credit cards through Paypal. After your payment is processed, you will receive an email with a link to a page where you can download your PDFs. Your download links will expire after 5 days or 5 download attempts (whichever happens first), so please download your purchases as soon as you receive the link. The PDF files themselves do not expire once you have saved them on your computer.

Avoid set-backs by learning time proven, effective preparations and aid sequences for flying changes. Included is a diagram with detailed steps outlining proper timing and methods for how to execute the perfect change.

No two-track movement can be accomplished with the presence of constricting areas in the horse’s body. Blindly ‘practicing’ half-passes will only lead to a horse that will search for the dreaded fifth leg in the rider’s hands while remaining stiff and unyielding. This article outlines how to effectively master the half-pass and free the horse from all tensions in the neck, the poll, shoulders, ribcage, hips and hind legs. (Includes two exercise patterns from the Smart Use of the Arena Series – Training the Half Pass Left in Trot and Canter and Training Half Pass Left from the Figure 8)

$19.95.Downloadable PDF. 7 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

One of the numerous topics that lead to heated discussions is the value of bending the horse. Read the findings of the Riding Masters in Vienna who for centuries spoke of ‘bending the horse in the ribcage’ or ‘making the horse hollow in his side’.

$6.95.Downloadable PDF. 4 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

Another outstanding work, this well presented and well written dissertation on the correct use of the riding whip educates the rider how the gateway to the ‘Circle of the Aids’ is a horse that’s well tuned to the whip. It also addresses the offensive habit of kicking legs that we still see in abundance today and how the riding whip corrects this habit by providing the explanatory power that ‘prepares the horse for the rider’s legs’.

$12.95.Downloadable PDF. 7 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

The procedures outlined in this article are as taught at the Spanish Riding School and are part of an age-old protocol which has no shortcuts, lucky strokes or arbitrary choices. The rewards, however, are without measure.

$12.95.Downloadable PDF. 10 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

The arena offers a perfectly balanced environment for a horse’s education.
Unfortunately, too few riders take full, if any, advantage of this valuable, but
underused workspace. In this article Karl takes a close look at the dimensional details of the arena and its relationship to the proper execution of movements.

$12.95.Downloadable PDF. 12 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

A two part article, the first speaks mainly to the widespread love-affair with double-bridles as a means to fake working on much more advanced levels than the
horses were actually ready for and the detrimental effects thereof. In the second article Karl describes the interrelationship between the snaffle and the curb and describes what some would call “an unorthodox arrangement” for holding the reins, particularly during warm-up.

The rein back is not only little understood, but rarely receives the attention it deserves. In this dissertation Karl discusses in great length not only the most commonly made mistakes when riding the rein back, but time proven methods to execute this exercise correctly.

$8.95.Downloadable PDF. 7 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

This excellent essay traces the historical evolution of the spur from 1657 and includes such priceless information as how to chose the correct spur. It also delves into the pitfalls of incorrect application of the spur as well as how to obtain the highest degree of collection through proper use.

$12.95.Downloadable PDF. 6 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

Suitable for horses training First Level to Grand Prix, this article illustrates the correct execution of the turn on the forehand in motion. This teaches the horse to have increased sensitivity to leg, whip and spur pressure while improving lateral balance and setting the stage for all future two-track movements. (Includes two exercise patterns from Karl’s Basic Exercises “Turn on the Forehand in Motion – Method 1” and “Turn on the Forehand in Motion – Method 2”)

$12.95.Downloadable PDF. 8 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

This in-depth essay into the correct application of the draw rein includes a discussion of the use of the double snaffle and how to use the draw rein to effectively train horses with special needs – truly a must read for any rider considering the use of auxiliary reins.

$12.95.Downloadable PDF. 8 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

True forward riding is not measured in extended trot steps; it is measured by the horse’s willingness to move on his own and his ability to cover miles in a steady tempo, with steady ground gaining strides, steady breathing, steady rhythm and steady but light contact. This is the forward of the Old School that nowadays seems to be forgotten or simply pushed aside as an unnecessary time consuming, uneconomical relic of the past. This superbly written article traces the historical basis for true forward riding and the reasons why true collection will never be achieved without it.

$12.95.Downloadable PDF. 5 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

The variety of reasons given for not lungeing range from not wanting to, not needing to, or not believing in it. All of which prove one thing: A lack of understanding of how this practice fits into the total training picture. Read these real life scenarios from Karl’s past and present clinics. Also included is a two page explanation of how young stallions were introduced to the circle at the Spanish Riding School – lungeing four at a time.

$8.95.Downloadable PDF. 7 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.

Truly an unmatched treasure in modern publications, Work in Hand delves thoroughly into why this training is so important and how to proceed once you have made the commitment to pursue this avenue of education for your horse.

$12.95.Downloadable PDF. 10 pages.Sorry, there are no refunds on this product.